Oral device with activating element

ABSTRACT

An oral care implement herein may be embodied as an oral device for placement in the oral cavity. The device may include an insert configured for placement in the oral cavity in contact with a wearer&#39;s teeth and an activating member configured for placement in the oral cavity and selectively attachable to the insert.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/390,824, filed on Dec. 27, 2016, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various products and processes have been developed to improve andmaintain oral health. For example, formulations such as mouthwashes,creams, pastes, salves, and the like, are known for reducing bacteria inthe mouth and/or for treating other oral conditions. Conventionally, theformulations are applied to the teeth, gums and/or other areas of theoral cavity by rinsing, brushing, or otherwise. In some instances,substances are applied to the teeth or oral cavity and activated, e.g.,using electrical fields or irradiation, to provide oral benefits.However, there is a need in the art for improved implements and methodsfor treating the oral cavity.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for effective oral care devices.This disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more problems set forthabove and/or other problems of the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This application describes improved oral care implements and methods fortreating the oral cavity. In some embodiments, an oral care implementherein may be embodied as an oral device for placement in the oralcavity. The device may include an insert configured for placement in theoral cavity in contact with a wearer's teeth and an activating memberconfigured for placement in the oral cavity and selectively attachableto the insert. The insert carries an activating agent and may beconfigured to place the activating agent in intimate contact with thewearer's teeth. The activating member includes a power source (e.g., abattery) for powering an activating element. In some exampleembodiments, the activating element may include electrodes for, alongwith the activating agent, providing an electrochemical benefit to thewearer's teeth. In other embodiments, the activating element may be alight source positioned to irradiate the wearer's teeth.

In one example implementation, an oral device according to thisdisclosure includes an insert configured for placement in an oral cavityin contact with teeth in the oral cavity and an activating memberconfigured for placement in the oral cavity. The insert may include afacial portion comprising a first surface configured for placementproximate a facial surface of the teeth; a lingual portion comprising asecond surface spaced from the first surface and configured forplacement proximate a lingual surface of the teeth; a base connectingthe facial portion and the lingual portion, the base, the first surface,and the second surface forming a channel for receiving the teeth; afirst electrode arranged proximate the first surface, in proximity tothe facial surface of the teeth; a second electrode spaced from thefirst electrode; and at least one first electrical connectorelectrically connected to at least one of the first electrode or thesecond electrode. The activating member may include: a housingconfigured to be completely received in the oral cavity; a power sourcedisposed in the housing; and at least one second electrical connectorelectrically connected to the power source, the at least one secondelectrical connector being connectible to the at least one firstelectrical connector to supply power from the power source in theactivating member to the first electrode and the second electrode in theinsert.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the housing may include a housing base, an arcuate housingfacial wall extending from a top surface of the housing base, and anarcuate housing lingual wall extending from the top surface and spacedfrom the lingual wall.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), a third surface of the facial wall, a fourth surface ofthe lingual wall facing the third surface, and the top surface of thebase may form at least part of a receptacle configured to receive theinsert.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), a spacing between the third surface and the fourth surfacemay provide an interference fit between the activating member and anouter surface of the insert.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), a spacing distance between the third surface and thefourth surface may vary at discrete distances from the top surface ofthe housing base.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the spacing may be smaller at a first location fartherfrom the top surface than at a second location closer to the topsurface.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the facial portion may include a first facial portion andthe lingual portion may include a first lingual portion, and the channelmay be configured for receiving maximal teeth of the teeth, the insertmay further include a second facial portion extending, relative to thebase, in a substantially opposite direction as the first facial portion,the second facial portion may include a third surface configured forplacement proximate a facial surface of mandibular teeth in the oralcavity; and a second lingual portion extending, relative to the base, ina substantially opposite direction as the first lingual portion, thesecond lingual portion comprising a fourth surface configured forplacement proximate a lingual surface of the mandibular teeth, the thirdsurface, the fourth surface, and the base may form at least a portion ofa second channel for receiving the mandibular teeth.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the housing may include an arcuate housing facial wallconfigured to contact at least one of an outer surface of the firstfacial portion or an outer surface of the second facial portion.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), one of the activating member or the insert may include aprotrusion and the other of the activating member or the insert mayinclude a receptacle for releasably receiving the protrusion.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the first electrical connector may be disposed on theprotrusion or in the receptacle and the second electrical connector maybe the other of disposed on the protrusion or in the receptacle.

In other implementations of this disclosure, an oral device may includean insert configured for placement in an oral cavity and an activatingmember configured for placement in the oral cavity and releasablyretained in operable communication with the insert. The insert mayinclude a facial portion comprising a first surface configured forplacement proximate a facial surface of the teeth, a lingual portioncomprising a second surface spaced from the first surface and configuredfor placement proximate a lingual surface of the teeth, a baseconnecting the facial portion and the lingual portion, the base, thefirst surface, and the second surface forming a channel for receivingthe teeth, and an active agent disposed in the channel. The activatingmember may include a power source for powering an electronic elementthat cooperates with the active agent to apply a benefit to the teeth.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the insert may further include a first electrode disposedproximate the first surface and a second electrode disposed proximate atleast one of the second surface or the base.

In another implementation, the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), may further include a first electrical contact on theinsert and a second electrical contact on the activating member inelectrical communication with the power source, wherein the firstelectrical contact and the second electrical contact may be electricallyconnected when the activating member is placed in operable communicationwith the inert.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the emerging member may include a U-shaped receptacleconfigured to receive the insert.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the insert may include a first electrical contact disposedon an external surface of the insert, opposite the channel, theactivating member may include a second electrical contact on an interiorsurface of the receptacle, and positioning of the insert in thereceptacle may place the first electrical contact in contact with thesecond electrical contact.

In another implementation, the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s) may further include an attachment mechanism disposed on atleast one of the insert or the activating member, the attachmentmechanism being configured to releasably retain the insert and theactivating member in operable communication.

In another implementation, in the oral device according to the precedingparagraph(s), the attachment mechanism may include a protrusionextending from the insert or the activating member and a receptacle onthe other of the insert or the activating member configured toreleasably receive the protrusion.

In other implementations of this disclosure, a kit may include anactivating member, a first insert, and a second insert. The activatingmember may include a housing configured for placement in an oral cavity,and a power source disposed in the housing. The first insert may includea first facial portion comprising a first surface configured forplacement proximate a facial surface of the teeth, a first lingualportion comprising a second surface spaced from the first surface andconfigured for placement proximate a lingual surface of the teeth, afirst base connecting the first facial portion and the first lingualportion, the first base, the first surface, and the second surfaceforming a first channel for receiving the teeth, and a first activeagent disposed in the channel for providing a first oral benefit. Thesecond insert may include a second facial portion comprising a thirdsurface configured for placement proximate the facial surface of theteeth, a second lingual portion comprising a fourth surface spaced fromthe third surface and configured for placement proximate a lingualsurface of the teeth, a second base connecting the second facial portionand the second lingual portion, the second base, the third surface, andthe fourth surface forming a second channel for receiving the teeth, anda second active agent disposed in the channel for providing a secondoral benefit.

In another implementation, in the kit according to the precedingparagraph(s), the first insert may include a first electrode positionedproximate the first surface and a second electrode positioned proximatethe first base and the second insert comprising a third electrodepositioned proximate the third surface and a fourth electrode positionedproximate the fourth surface, wherein attachment of the first insert tothe housing forms an electrical connection to provide power from thepower source to the first electrode and the second electrode and whereinattachment of the second insert to the housing forms an electricalconnection to provide power from the power source to the third electrodeand the fourth electrode.

In another implementation, in the kit according to the precedingparagraph(s), the activating member may include a first connector, thefirst insert may include a second connector compatible with the firstconnector, and the second insert may include a third connectorcompatible with the first connector.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes ofillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an oral care apparatusaccording to an example implementation of this disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a top perspective view and a bottom plan view,respectively, of an insert for use in an oral care apparatus accordingto example embodiments of this disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a top perspective view and a top plan view,respectively, of an activating member for use in an oral care apparatusaccording to example embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another oral care apparatusaccording to example implementations of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of yet another oral careapparatus according to an example implementation of this disclosure;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of still another oral careapparatus including an insert and an activating member, according to anexample implementation of this disclosure;

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the insert illustrated in FIG.6A;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of still another oral careapparatus according to an example implementation of this disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is perspective view of an alternative oral care apparatusaccording to an additional example implementation of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure,its application, or uses.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, each referencescited herein is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

This disclosure relates generally to oral care implements, and moreparticularly to multiple-piece devices capable of being placed withinthe oral cavity to provide a benefit to the oral cavity. In someimplementations, the oral device may include an insert carrying anactive agent and an activating member that releasably connects to theinsert. For example, the insert may be configured for placement on awearer's teeth, e.g., to place an active agent in contact with theteeth, and the activating member may hold or otherwise retain the insertin position.

In embodiments of this disclosure, the activating member may include abattery or other power source configured to power an activating elementthat activates or otherwise interacts with the activating agent toprovide a benefit to the oral cavity. For instance, the activatingelement may be a light source disposed on the activating member. Usingpower from the power source, the light source emits a light thatirradiates the teeth, for example. In this example, the activating agentmay be hydrogen peroxide and the light is emitted at a wavelength knownto increase the tooth whitening capabilities of the hydrogen peroxide.In other embodiments, the activating element may include an electrodepair disposed in proximity of the teeth. The electrode pair may beformed on the activating member, or in other embodiments, the insertincludes the electrode pair. In the latter configuration, electricalcontacts may be provided on the activating member and the insert toelectrically connect the electrodes to the power source disposed on theactivating member.

According to embodiments of this disclosure, a compact oral care devicemay be used to provide a number of oral care benefits. For example, theactivating member may be configured for use with a number of differentinserts and/or different activating agents. In some embodiments, theinsert may be pre-packaged with the activating agent, and disposableafter use. As a result of some embodiments of this disclosure, a usermay select among different types of inserts to provide differentbenefits. For instance, a user may use a first insert that includeselectrodes and a fluoride solution to direct fluorine ions forstrengthening tooth enamel and a second insert that includes hydrogenperoxide and a different electrode configuration or no electrodes forpurposes of whitening teeth. Thus, for example, a multi-purposeactivating member may be used with different inserts to provide varyingbenefits.

Although certain embodiments and benefits will be described, otherimplementations, modifications, and/or benefits will be appreciated bythose having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of thisdisclosure. For example, the following detailed description maygenerally refer to embodiments of the inventive implements in thecontext of a mouthpiece, but the disclosure is not limited tomouthpieces; other oral care implements may also incorporate features ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an oral device 100 according to implementations ofthis disclosure. The oral device 100 comprises a wearable appliancegenerally configured as a two-piece mouthpiece. As illustrated, thedevice 100 includes an insert 102 and an activating member 104. Theinsert 102 and the activating member 104 preferably are configured forreleasable attachment to each other. For example, attachment of theinsert 102 to the activating member 104 may provide an appropriatealignment of the insert 102 relative to the activating member 104, andin some embodiments, which will be described in more detail below, theattachment may facilitate powering elements of the insert 102 via apower source on the activating member 104.

As illustrated, the insert 102 may be shaped generally as a bite plate,a mouthguard, an occlusal splint or the like. The shape of theillustrated insert 102 is known in the art, and generally consists of aU-shaped base 106, a facial sidewall or portion 108 extending from thebase 106 in a first direction and a lingual sidewall or portion 110spaced from the facial portion 108 and also extending in the firstdirection. In this configuration, the base 106, the facial sidewall 108and the lingual sidewall 110 generally form a tray or channel 112 toreceive a wearer's teeth. More specifically, the base 106 is generallyconfigured for positioning to extend along one or more teeth between themaxillary and the mandibular teeth, the facial sidewall 108 is generallyconfigured to extend along a facial surface of the teeth, and thelingual sidewall 110 is generally configured to extend along a lingualsurface of the teeth. In some embodiments, the facial sidewall 108 maycontact the facial surface of one or more of the teeth and/or the facialsidewall may be arranged near the facial surface of the teeth, but notin direct contact. Similarly, the lingual sidewall 110 may contact thelingual surface of one or more of the teeth and/or the lingual sidewallmay be arranged near the lingual surface of the teeth, but not in directcontact. In some implementations, the dimensions of the insert 102 maybe customized for a user, or may be provided in one more predeterminedor generic sizes. Moreover, although the base is illustrated as beinggenerally perpendicular to the upstanding facial and lingual sidewalls,either or both of the sidewalls and/or the base may be formed atdifferent angles relative to each other. By way of non-liming example,the base may constitute any connection between the lingual and facialsidewalls. For instance, it is contemplated that the lingual and facialsidewalls could terminate at a common point, thereby creating a V-shapedchannel, instead of the illustrated U-shaped channel. In thisembodiment, the junction between the sidewall constitutes the base.

Insert 102 also includes an active agent 114 disposed in the channel112. The active agent 114 may be provided to contact one or moresurfaces of the teeth when the insert is placed in the oral cavity. Forexample, the active agent may be a gel, viscous liquid, or the like,that is retained in the channel 112. In other embodiments, the activeagent may be retained in a polymer matrix, sponge, or the like that isdisposed in the channel 112 and selected to allow for contact of theactive agent with the teeth.

The insert 102 is configured for connection to the activating member104. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the activating member 104is also shaped like a conventional mouthguard. More specifically, theactivating member 104 generally includes a U-shaped base 116. A facialwall 118 extends from the base 116 proximate an outer edge of the base116. A lingual wall 120 also extends from the base 116, generally in thesame direction as the facial wall 118, proximate an inner edge of thebase 116. The facial wall 118 and the lingual wall 120 extend from thebase 116 to form a receptacle 122, which generally includes a U-shapedchannel. In embodiments of this disclosure, the spacing between thefacial wall 118 in the lingual wall 120 is greater than a distancebetween exterior surfaces of the facial sidewall 108 and lingualsidewall 110 of the insert 102. In this manner, the insert 102 may bereceived in the receptacle 122.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the activating member also includes apower source, e.g., a battery 124. The battery 124 is illustratedschematically as being disposed on the facial wall 118 of the activatingmember 104. In some embodiments, the battery 124 may be embedded in thefacial wall 118. For instance, the activating member 104 may beovermolded or otherwise formed around the battery 124, such that thebattery 124 is located between opposite inner and outer surfaces of thefacial wall 118. Similarly, the battery may be disposed on the wall andcovered with a protective layer, e.g., to prevent contact of the batterywith contaminants in the oral cavity. In other embodiments, the battery124 may be provided instead on or incorporated into the lingual wall 120or the base 116. Moreover, multiple batteries 124 may be provided, andsuch batteries may be disposed on or in any one or more of the base 116,the facial wall 118, and/or the lingual wall 120. The battery 124 may beany power source capable of providing power necessary for operating anactivating element (described in detail below). The battery 124 may be asingle use battery, which may be replaceable, or in some embodiments,the battery 124 may be rechargeable, e.g., using an external powersource (not shown). For example, the battery may be a printed battery, aconventional cell, or the like.

As noted above, the insert 102 is received in the receptacle 122 of theactivating member 104. In preferred embodiments of the disclosure, theinsert is removably received in the receptacle 122, e.g., forreplacement. FIG. 1 illustrates additional features on the activatingmember 104 that may facilitate retention of the insert 102 relative tothe activating member 104. More specifically, a ridge or protrusion 126may be provided on a surface of the facial wall facing the receptacle122. In addition, or alternatively, the distal ends 128 of the lingualwall 120 may be in-turned, i.e., toward the receptacle 122. Theprotrusion 126 and the distal ends 128 operate in a similar manner.Specifically, as the insert 102 is placed into the receptacle 122, i.e.,by lowering the insert into the receptacle 122, an outer surface (i.e.,opposite the channel 112) of the facial sidewall 108 of the insert 102passes over the ridges 126 and an outer surface (i.e., opposite thechannel 112) of the lingual sidewall 110 of the insert 102 passes overthe distal ends 128 of the lingual wall 120. At least one of the facialsidewall 108, the lingual sidewall 110, the facial wall 118, and/or thelingual wall 120 may be deformable 102 to promote pressing of the insert102 into the receptacle 122. For example, the insert 102 and/or theactivating member may be formed of a pliable polymer. Once seated in thereceptacle 122, e.g., with the base 106 of the insert 102 contacting thebase 116 of the activating member 104, the protrusions 126 arepositioned above the top surface of the facial sidewall 108 of theinsert 102 and the distal ends 128 of the lingual wall 120 extend abovea top surface of the lingual sidewall 110 of the insert 100. Morespecifically, the insert 102 may be dimensioned such that an outersurface of the facial sidewall 108 and the outer surface of the lingualsidewall 110 form an interference fit with the protrusions 126 and thedistal end 128 of the activating member 104, but the ridges 126 and thedistal ends 128 are generally positioned above the top of the insert 102when the insert 102 is properly received in the receptacle 122.

In operation, a user may place the insert in her mouth, positioning hermaxillary teeth in the channel 112. With the insert so positioned, thewearer may then place the activating member into the oral cavity belowthe insert 102 and apply upward pressure, relative to the maxillaryteeth, to position the activating member 104 over the insert 102.Alternatively, the wearer may place the insert 102 into the activatingmember 104 prior to placement in the oral cavity. Once in the oralcavity, an activating element (not shown in FIG. 1), powered by thebattery 124, activates the activating agent to treat the teeth or oralcavity. Upon completion of the treatment, the wearer may remove thedevice 100 from her mouth, lift the insert 102 from the receptacle,e.g., by grasping and pulling the insert 102, and discard the insert102. In this manner, the activating agent may be contained in theinsert, with minimal contact with the activating member. The activatingmember may be rinsed or otherwise cleaned and placed on a charger, forexample, until the next use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a general configuration for an oral device 100 inwhich a cooperating insert 102 and activating component 104 are providedto render an oral benefit. Many modifications to the illustratedembodiment are contemplated. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, theinsert 102 is generally configured for placement on the maxillary teeth.In other embodiments, the insert 102 may be configured instead forplacement on the mandibular teeth. In still other embodiments, such asdescribed below in connection with FIG. 5, two inserts may be provided,one for placement on the maxillary teeth and another for placement onthe mandibular teeth. Moreover, as will be described below in connectionwith FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, the insert 102 could be configured forplacement on both the maxillary and mandibular teeth.

Other modifications may also be made. For example, the protrusions 126and the in-turned distal ends 128 are only an example arrangement forretaining the insert 102 in the receptacle 122. In some embodiments,only the protrusions 126 or only the in-turned distal ends 128 may beprovided. Moreover, distal ends of the facial sidewall 118 may bealternatively or additionally turned inward. Similarly, protrusions likethe protrusions 126 may be provided alternatively, or in addition, onthe lingual wall 120. Other alignment and/or retention members will bedescribed in more detail below, and still others will be appreciated bythose having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of thisdisclosure.

As noted above, the oral device 100 includes an activating element that,in conjunction with an activating agent, delivers one or more oralbenefits. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B illustrate an example of the device100. Specifically, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an insert 200, which maybe the insert 102 described above, that includes electrodes forproviding an electrochemical benefit, and FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate anactivating member 300, which may be the activating member 104 describedabove, attachable to the insert 200 to power the electrodes. The insert200 and the activating member 300 will now be described in greaterdetail.

The insert 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is one, nonlimiting example of theinsert 102 illustrated in and described above in connection with FIG. 1.The insert 200 generally includes a base 202, comparable to the base 106discussed above, a facial sidewall 204, comparable to the facialsidewall 108 discussed above, and a lingual sidewall 206, comparable tothe lingual sidewall 110 discussed above. The base 202, the facialsidewall 204, and the lingual sidewall 206 generally define a channel209, similar to the channel 112. In more detail, the facial sidewall 204includes an inner surface 208, facing the channel 209, and an opposite,outer surface 210. Similarly, the lingual sidewall 206 includes an innersurface 212 facing the channel 209 and an opposite, outer surface 214.The inner surface 208 of the facial sidewall 204 and the inner surface212 of the lingual sidewall 206 define the sides of the channel 209 anda top surface 216 of the base 202 defines the bottom of the channel 209.Although not illustrated, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 an active agentpreferably is disposed in the channel 209. For clarity, the activatingagent is not included in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The insert 200 also includes a first electrode 218 and a secondelectrode 220. The electrodes 218, 220 are spaced from each other. Forexample, in the illustrated example, the first electrode 218 is disposedgenerally on the facial sidewall 204, and the second electrode 220 isdisposed on the base 202. The electrodes 218, 220 preferably aremetallic elements spaced from each other, such that a potentialdifference between the electrodes causes flow of ions from the firstelectrode 218 to the second electrode 220, or vice a versa. Theelectrodes may comprise a thin metallic plate, e.g., having sufficientthinness that the plate can conform to the contours of the sidewall. Inother embodiments, the electrodes may be formed from one or moremetallic wires and/or a mesh. By way of non-limiting example, theelectrodes may include conducting metals such as tin, nickel, gold,platinum, silver, or the like, or mixtures thereof. The electrodes mayalso include additional conductive or semi-conductive materials, e.g.,in film form, including but not limited to, titanium dioxide, zincoxide, tin oxide, tin(II) dioxide, Ln₂O₃ (either n- or p-type), or thelike. The first electrode 218 is electrically connected by a lead 222 orother electrical connection to a first electrical contact 224.Similarly, the second electrode 220 is electrically connected by a lead226 or similar electrical connector to a second electrical contact 228.In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical contact 224 and thesecond electrical contact 228 are exposed metallic elements disposed ona bottom surface 230 (i.e., opposite the top surface 216) of the base202.

The first electrode 218 and the second electrode 220 may be disposed onthe inner surface 208 of the facial sidewall 204 and the top surface 216of the base 202, respectively. In other embodiments, including theillustrated embodiment, the first electrode 218 may be spaced behind theinner surface 208 of the facial sidewall 204, and/or the secondelectrode 220 may be disposed below the top surface 216 of the base 202.In this embodiment, the electrodes 218, 220 are exposed to the channel209 via cutouts 232, 234, which may be voids formed in the inner surface208 and the top surface 216, respectively. The cutouts 232, 234 serve aswindows or openings to expose the electrodes 218, 220, but may preventdirect contact of a wearer's teeth with the electrode, e.g., because thewearer's tooth will contact the relative surface, instead of theelectrode, which is offset, behind the surface. In the illustratedembodiment, the electrodes 218, 220 are disposed in the facial sidewall204 and the base 202, respectively. More specifically, the electrodes218, 220 are substantially planar metallic plates, and the firstelectrode 218 is disposed between the inner surface 208 on the outersurface 210 of the facial sidewall 204, and the second electrode 220 isdisposed between the top surface 216 and the bottom surface 230 of thebase 202. In other embodiments, the first electrode 218 may be disposedor otherwise attached to the outer surface 210 of the facial sidewall204, with the cutout 232 providing exposure of the electrode 218 to thechannel 209. Similarly, the second electrode 220 may be disposed on thebottom surface 230 of the base 202, with the cutout 234 providingexposure of the electrode 220 to the channel 209.

Although the leads 222, 226 are illustrated as being embedded within thebase and/or the facial sidewall 204, such is not required. In otherembodiments, the leads 222, 226 may be electrically conductive tracesformed on one of the surfaces of the insert 200 or embedded in one ormore other surfaces. Moreover, although the electrodes 218, 220 areillustrated in one position, modifications are contemplated. Forexample, the second electrode 220 may be disposed on the inner surface212 of the lingual sidewall 206. In still other embodiments, theelectrodes may be disposed at least partially on the base 202 and atleast partially on the lingual sidewall 206. Both electrodes may also beprovided on the same surface, e.g., both on the facial sidewall, spacedfrom each other. In still other embodiments, additional electrodes maybe provided. For example, multiple first electrodes 218 may be providedon the facial sidewall, with corresponding second electrodes 220 beingprovided on the base 202 and/or lingual sidewall 206. Moreover, theelectrodes may take shapes and forms other than those illustrated.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an activating member 300 that can be usedwith the insert 200 just described. The activating member 300 is similarto the activating member 104 illustrated in FIG. 1, in that it isintended to releasably receive the insert 200. The activating member 300generally includes a base 302, similar to the base 116 illustrated inFIG. 1, a facial wall 304, similar to the facial wall 118 illustrated inFIG. 1, and a lingual wall 306 similar to the lingual wall 120illustrated in FIG. 1. The facial wall 304 generally includes an innersurface 308 and an outer surface 310. Similarly, the lingual wall 306includes an inner surface 312 and an outer surface 314. The innersurface 308 of the facial wall 304, the inner surface 312 of the lingualwall 320, and a top surface 316 of the base 302 generally define areceptacle 317, similar to the receptacle 122 of the activating member104.

The activating member 300 also includes a power source, such as abattery 318, which may be similar to the battery 124 discussed above.The battery 318 is illustrated as being disposed of the outer surface310 of the facial wall 304. However, the battery 124 may be located in adifferent location on the activating member 300. Moreover, additionalbatteries may be provided in other or additional locations. The battery318 is electrically coupled to a first electrical contact 320 and asecond electrical contact 322, e.g. via leads 324. The first electricalcontact 320 and the second electrical contact 322 may comprise anexposed conductive material, located proximate the top surface 316 ofthe base 302. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 320, 322 mayprotrude above the top surface 316 of the base 302. For example, each ofthe electrical contacts 320, 322 may have a first end 326 fixed relativeto the base 302 and an opposite, free end 328. The free ends 328 of thecontacts 320, 322 may move relative to the base 302, i.e., by pivotingabout the first ends 326. In other embodiments, the contacts 320, 322may be formed of a domed or convex structure that protrudes above thetop surface 316 of the base 302.

In operation, when the insert 200 is placed in the receptacle 317 of theactivating member 300, the first electrical contact 224 of the insert200 contacts the first electrical contact 320 of the activating member300. Similarly, the second electrical contact 228 of the insert 200contacts the second electrical contact 322 of the activating member 300.By this electrical contact, power from the battery 318 is provided tothe electrodes 218, 220 of the insert 200.

The arrangement and position of the first and second electrical contacts320, 322 of the activating member 300 and the first and secondelectrical contacts 224, 228 of the insert 200 may be altered withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. For instance, in someembodiments, it may be possible to provide only a single electricalcontact on each of the insert 200 and the activating member 300. Morethan two electrical contacts may also be provided. In other embodiments,the electrical contacts may be positioned on the facial and/or lingualsidewalls and walls of the insert and activating member. Furthermore,although the first electrical contact 224 and the second electricalcontact 228 are illustrated as generally planar while the first andsecond electrical contacts 320, 322 of the activating member 300 areshown as being offset from the top surface 316, such is not required. Insome examples, the electrodes on the insert and the electrodes on theactivating member may be planar, while in other embodiments, electrodeson the insert may be offset, e.g., relative to the bottom surface 230 ofthe base 202. In still other embodiments both the electrodes on theinsert 200 and electrodes on the activating member 300 may be offset.Moreover, the electrical contacts on the insert may include at least oneplanar contact and at least one offset contact and/or electricalcontacts on the activating member 300 may include at least one planarcontact and at least one offset contact. As will be appreciated, manycombinations and structures may be used that allow for power from thebattery 318 to be communicated to the electrodes 218, 220 on the insert200 when the insert 200 and the receptacle are operatively connected.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the activating member 300 mayinclude features for retaining the insert 200 in the receptacle 317. Forexample, the activating member 300 includes ridges 330 similar to theprotrusions 126 discussed above. As with the protrusions 126, the ridges330 may be configured to provide an interference fit with the outersurface 210 of the facial sidewall 204 as the insert is placed into thereceptacle 317, and is arranged to be above a top surface of the facialsidewall 204 when the insert 200 is completely seated in the receptacle317. Distal ends 332 of the facial wall 304 may also be in-turned, aswith the embodiment described above in connection with FIG. 1. Otherretaining features, including those discussed above or below, may alsoor alternatively be used in the foregoing embodiment.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B illustrate an example device according to thisdisclosure, in which the insert and an activating member are securableto each other to provide an oral benefit. For instance, by providing apotential difference across the electrodes 218, 220, an oral benefit maybe provided to the teeth by transferring ions from the activating agentbetween the electrodes, and into the teeth. For example, the activatingagent may include zinc and the electrodes may be operable to causetransport of zinc ions between the electrodes. More specifically,because the insert 200 places the wearer's teeth between the electrodes,zinc ions may be delivered to the tooth.

FIG. 4 is an example embodiment of another device 400 according toanother embodiment of this disclosure. In the device 400, a source isprovided as the activating element, instead of electrodes as in thepreviously described embodiment. As with previous embodiments, the oraldevice 400 generally includes an insert 402 selectively receivable by anactivating member 404. The insert 400 to a similar to those discussedabove, and generally includes a base 406, a facial sidewall 408, and alingual sidewall 410. Facial sidewall 408, the base 406, and the lingualsidewall 410 generally form a U-shaped channel 412. Although notillustrated, an activating agent is provided in the channel 412. Theform and function of the insert 402 are generally identical to those ofthe insert 102 discussed above, and thus the details will not berestated herein.

The activating member 404 is also generally similar to the activatingmember 104 and the activating member 300 discussed above. For example,the activating member 404 generally includes a base 414, a facial wall416, and a lingual wall 418 spaced from and generally parallel to thefacial wall 416. The base 414, the facial wall 416, and the lingual wall418 generally form a receptacle 420 sized to receive the insert 402.

Unlike in previous embodiments, however, the activating member 404includes one or more light sources 422 (three are shown, but more orfewer may be provided). The light sources may be, for example, lightemitting diodes (LEDs), although other light sources, including but notlimited to lasers, may be used. As illustrated, the light sources 422are disposed on the facial wall 416 of the activating member 404 and areconfigured to emit light into the channel 420. The light sources 422 maybe controllable to emit light at different wavelengths, for example. Asalso illustrated in FIG. 4, the light sources 422 are powered by abattery 424 (although a power source other than the battery 424 may beused) via one or more leads 426. As with previous embodiments, theposition of the battery 424 and the leads 426 may be varied withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In operation,the insert 402 is placed in the receptacle 420 of the activating number404 and the light sources 422 are activated. An activating agent (notshown) contained in the channel 412 of the insert is in intimate contactwith the teeth, and the light sources 422 illuminate the activatingagent and teeth to provide an oral benefit. By way of non-limitingexample, the activating agent may include hydrogen peroxide and thelight source may be at a predetermined wavelength to excite the hydrogenperoxide to provide an enhanced whitening benefit to the teeth containedin the channel 412 of the insert 402.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 4, light emitted from the light source422 must pass through the facial sidewall 408 of the insert 402 beforecontacting the wearer's teeth. Moreover, although the light sources 422is generally illustrated as being exposed to the channel 420, the lightsource 422 may be embedded in the facial wall 416 of the activatingmember 404. In this manner, material comprising the facial wall 416 orsome other material, e.g., a covering or the like, may be formed overthe front of the light sources 422, such that light emitted from thelight sources will pass through some material prior to entering thechannel 420. Because of the possibility of light diffraction/refractioncaused by the insert 402 and any other material, including a portion ofthe facial wall 416 through which the light may pass, the composition ofthe facial sidewall 408 of the insert 402 the composition of the facialwall 416 of the activating member 414, and/or the composition of anycovering may be chosen according to the application. For instance, whenindigo wavelengths on the order of about 400 to 410 nm are used, it maybe desirable that light emitted is not excessively absorbed by theinsert 402, the facial wall 416, or other material. Accordingly, therefractive index of the activating member 404 and any material of thefacial wall 416 of the activating member 404 may be matched with thematerials comprising the facial sidewall 408 of the insert 402 toachieve a minimum level of light loss. This may be particularlyimportant if the light sources are not laser-based, and instead followthe Lambert cosine law in light distribution. More specifically, it maybe desirable that the light emitted by the light sources travel throughonly a single type of material, and that that material is particularlychosen for the application.

A number of materials have been found to have favorable transmissionprofiles and can be used in applications according to this disclosure.ECTFE Halar 500 LC, PCDF Solef 9009, Solvay Radel R-5000 NT, PPSU RadelR-5000 CL301, and SKC Skyrol Polyester Film AH82L are non-limitingexamples of commercially available polymers that have been tested andmay be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, thesematerials have desirable light transmissivities, and are approved foruse in the oral cavity. In some embodiments, the material used for thefacial sidewall 408 (and in some instances, the facial wall 416) mayallow for 80-100% transmission of light at the predetermined wavelength.In some instances, an ideal refractive matching may result in no morethan 20% irradiance loss.

In the example of FIG. 4, the light source provides an active benefitinstead of the electrode(s) described in other embodiments of thisdisclosure. However, the insert and/or the activating member may alsoinclude one or more electrodes, for example, to provide anelectrochemical benefit in addition to the light-based benefit. Forexample, the electrodes may be sufficiently thin and/or formed oftransparent or translucent conductive materials that irradiating lightcan pass through the electrodes.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another example of an oral device 500 accordingto embodiments of this disclosure. The oral device 500 is similar to thedevice 100 described above in connection with FIG. 1, but differs inthat it provides an oral benefit to both the maxillary teeth and themandibular teeth.

More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the oral device 500includes a first insert 502 a and a second insert 502 b. The firstinsert 502 a is generally configured for placement over the maxillaryteeth of a wearer, and the second insert 502 b is generally configuredfor placement over the mandibular teeth of the wearer. Both the firstand second inserts 502 a, 502 b are configured for connection with anactivating member 504. In more detail, each of the inserts 502 a, 502 bgenerally includes a base 506 a, 506 b, a facial sidewall 508 a, 508 b,and a lingual sidewall 510 a, 510 b. The respective bases, facialsidewalls, and lingual sidewalls of the inserts 502 a, 502 b formchannels 512 a, 512 b, and activating agents 514 a, 514 b are disposedin the respective channels 512 a, 512 b. Thus, each of the insert 502 a,502 b is substantially identical to the insert 102 discussed above.

The activating member 504 generally includes a base 516, a facial wall518 and a lingual wall 520. The facial wall 518 and the lingual wall 520extend both above and below the base 516, to form an upper receptacle522 above the base 516, and a lower receptacle 524 below the base 516.In addition, the activating member 504 may also include one or moreridges 526, which may function like the ridges and protrusions discussedabove, to help retain the inserts 502 a, 502 b in the respectivereceptacles 522, 524. As will be appreciated, and although notillustrated, the activating member 504 also includes a power source,such as a battery, for powering an activating element (not shown). Forinstance, the activating element may include electrodes disposed on theinsert, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, ora light source disposed on the activating member 504 in the embodimentof FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the activating member 504 may includeboth the light source and contacts via which electrodes on an insert maybe electrically connected to a power source on the activating member504. In this manner, the activating member 504 may be useful to providea light-based benefit, as well as to provide for electrical connectionto some other benefit, such as an electrochemical benefit, provided bythe insert.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another example device 600 according toembodiments of this disclosure. The oral device 600 includes an insert602 configured for placement on both the maxillary teeth and themandibular teeth of a wearer and an activating member 604 operablyconnectable to the insert 602.

As illustrated, the insert 602 generally includes a base 606, a facialsidewall 608, and a lingual sidewall 610, as in previous embodiments.Unlike previous embodiments, however, the facial sidewall 608 and thelingual sidewall 610 depend both above and below the base 606, therebyforming a top channel 612 and a bottom channel 614. The top channel 612is generally configured to receive the maxillary teeth of the wearer andthe bottom channel 614 is generally configured to receive the mandibularteeth of the wearer.

Also unlike previous embodiments, the activating member 604 does notinclude a U-shaped receptacle for receiving the insert. Instead, theactivating member 604 generally includes a facial surface 616 configuredto extend along a portion of the facial sidewall 608 of the insert 602.As illustrated, a battery 618 or other power source is embedded in thefacial surface 616. Also, a top protrusion 620 and a bottom protrusion622 extend outwardly from the facial surface 616. In this embodiment,when the facial surface 616 of the activating member 604 is placed incontact with the facial portion 608 of the insert 602, the topprotrusion 620 extends generally along a top surface, or just above thetop surface, of the facial sidewall 608. Similarly, the bottomprotrusion 622 extends generally along a bottom surface, or just belowthe bottom surface, of the facial sidewall 608. The facial surface 616may be a relatively thin surface that may be retained in contact withthe insert 602 by the wearer's lips, with the protrusions 620, 622limiting sliding of the activating member 604 relative to the insert602.

As also illustrated in FIG. 6, first and second electrical contacts 624a, 624 b also are provided on the facial surface 616. The contacts 624a, 624 b are electrically connected to the battery 618 via leads 626.Cooperating electrical contacts 626 a, 626 b are provided on the outersurface of the facial sidewall 608 of the insert 602. Although notillustrated, the contacts 626 a, 626 b may be electrically connected toelectrodes disposed in one or both of the channels 612, 614, forexample, in a manner similar to that described above with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts 626 a,626 b may not be provided, and the electrical contacts 624 a, 624 b maybe replaced with one or more light sources, such as the light source(s)described above with reference to FIG. 4.

In operation, the user may place the insert 602 in her mouth, and clenchher teeth to place maxillary teeth in the top channel 612 and mandibularteeth in the bottom channel 614. Once in place, the user may then insertthe activating member 604 behind her lips such that the facial surface616 contacts the facial sidewall 608 of the insert 602. As noted above,the protrusions 620, 622 may prevent relative sliding of activatingmember 604 relative to the insert 602, and the wearer's lips willprovide sufficient force to maintain contact between the facial surface616 of the facial sidewall 608. Other embodiments may include a couplingmember for creating a positive coupling between the activating member604 and the insert 602. For example, a first magnet may be providedproximate the facial surface 616 and a second magnet or metallic surfacethat is attracted to the first magnet may be provided on the outersurface of the facial sidewall 608 of the insert 602.

Other modifications also are contemplated. For example, FIG. 7illustrates an oral device 700 comprising an insert 702 similar to theinsert 602, and an activating member 704 similar to the activatingmember 604. The insert 702 includes a facial sidewall 706 and a lingualsidewall 708 defining opposing sides of a top channel 710 and a bottomchannel 712, as described above. The top channel 710 is generallyconfigured to receive the maxillary teeth and the bottom channel 712 isgenerally configured to receive the mandibular teeth. The activatingmember 704 comprises a facial surface 714 and protrusions 716 similar tothe top and bottom protrusion 620, 622.

Unlike the embodiment just described, however, a receptacle 718 isformed as an opening in the facial sidewall 706 of the insert 702 and amating projection 720 depends from the facial surface 714 of theactivating member 704. In this embodiment, the projection 720 isinserted into the receptacle 718 to maintain a desired attachment and/oralignment of the activating member 704 relative to the insert 702. Insome embodiments, the projection 720 may form an interference fit withthe receptacle 718. In other embodiments, the projection 720 may includea detent or other mechanism that helps to retain the projection 720 inthe receptacle 718. The receptacle 718 and the projection 720 may alsoobviate the need for the protrusions 716.

Moreover, although the projection 720 and the receptacle 718 may providefor a positive attachment of the activating member 704 to the insert702, these features may provide additional benefits. For example, asalso illustrated in FIG. 7, electrical contacts 722 a, 722 b may bedisposed on the attachment projection 720 such that when the projection720 is placed in the receptacle 718, the electrical contacts 722 a, 722b come into contact with cooperating contacts disposed in the receptacle718. For instance, the electrical contacts 722 a, 722 b may beelectrically connected to a battery (not shown) disposed on theactivating number 704 and thereby provide power to the insert 702.Although the electoral context contacts 722 a, 722 b are illustrated asbeing disposed on the top surface of the projection 720, such is notrequired. For instance, one or more of the contacts may be exposed on anopposite, bottom surface of the projection 720.

As detailed above, the various inserts are designed to retain anactivating agent. The activating agent may provide a direct benefit tothe oral cavity, or may provide a benefit to the oral cavity inconnection with an activating element, such as the light sources and/orelectrodes discussed in detail above. In some implementations, a usermay purchase or otherwise obtain the insert without an activating agent.Thus, it may be up to the user to place the activating agent into theinsert. For instance, the user may separately obtain the activatingagent (e.g., in a bulk container) and using conventional means andmechanisms, place the activating agent into the insert before placingthe insert in the user's mouth. As noted above, the activating agent maybe provided as a gel, a liquid, or in any other form. Moreover, theinsert may be provided with a sponge or other absorptive material to aidin retaining the activating agent in the insert, e.g., when theactivating agent is a liquid.

In other embodiments, the activating agent may be pre-placed in theinsert, e.g., at the time of manufacture. For instance, a gel can beapplied in the insert prior to packaging and commercial use. In otherembodiments, the activating agent may be retained in a polymer matrixthat is used to form a portion of the channel or other segment of theinsert. When the activating agent is placed in the insert and the insertis subsequently packaged, packaging may be selected to retain anefficacy of the activating agent, for example, by inhibitingcontaminants from contacting the activating agent. The activating agentmay include a soluble material that becomes fluid in the presence of theuser saliva. Thus, the activating agent would not spill from the insert,but would become liquid or more flowable once exposed to conditions inthe oral cavity.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of an insert 800 with anactivating agent. More specifically, the insert 800 includes a reservoir802 disposed in a channel 804. The reservoir 802 may comprise a thinpolymer barrier or membrane that acts as a container for an activatingagent. The activating agent may be liquid, gel, or solid. The reservoir802 may be formed from sufficiently thin material, or may includeweakened areas, such that when the user bites down with the insertproperly positioned, the user's teeth will puncture or rupture thereservoir, thereby releasing the activating agent contained therein. Inother embodiments, a needle or other piercing element may be disposed onthe activating member such that proper connection of the insert 800 toan activating member, e.g., the activating member 104, 300, or 404, willcause the reservoir 802 to rupture.

The present disclosure describes oral care devices that are effectiveand relatively simple to use. The devices described herein may provide atherapeutic effect within the oral cavity with minimal user interaction.Moreover, devices described herein may allow a user to administertherapeutic agents to obtain different benefits using a singleactivating member.

Although example embodiments have been described in language specific tothe structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms ofimplementing the example embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral device comprising: an insert configuredfor placement in an oral cavity in contact with teeth in the oralcavity, the insert comprising: a base; at least one electrical elementattached to the base; and at least one first electrical connectorelectrically connected to the at least one electrical element; and anactivating member comprising: a base comprising a channel; a powersource; and at least one second electrical connector operably coupled tothe power source; and wherein the insert is positioned in the channel ofthe base of the activating member so that the at least one firstelectrical connector of the insert is electrically coupled to the atleast one second electrical connector of the activating member to supplypower from the power source of the activating member to the at least oneelectrical element of the insert.
 2. The oral device according to claim1, wherein the base of the insert comprises a channel, and furthercomprising an active agent disposed within the channel of the base. 3.The oral device according to claim 1 wherein the base of the activatingmember comprises a retaining element that is configured to interact withthe insert to retain the insert in the channel of the base of theactivating member.
 4. The oral device according to claim 1 wherein oneof the activating member or the insert comprises a protrusion and theother of the activating member or the insert comprises a receptacle forreleasably receiving the protrusion.
 5. The oral device according toclaim 4, wherein the first electrical connector is disposed on theprotrusion and the second electrical connector is disposed on thereceptacle.
 6. The oral device according to claim 4, wherein the firstelectrical connector is disposed on the receptacle and the secondelectrical connector is disposed on the protrusion.
 7. The oral deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the at least one electrical elementcomprises a first electrode and a second electrode that are positionedon the base of the insert in a spaced apart manner.
 8. A method oftreating teeth comprising: placing an insert into a user's oral cavityso that the user's teeth are located in contact with an active agent onthe insert; placing an activating member into the user's oral cavity andpositioning the activating member over the insert so that the insert isat least partially positioned within a channel of the activating member;and wherein the insert and the activating member have electricalconnectors that are operably coupled together when the insert is locatedin the channel of the activating member to supply power from a powersource of the activating member to an electrical element of the insert.